Uproar over uncertain future of Skegness' Jolly Fisherman

A call has been made to 'Save Jolly'. Photo: John Byford.

The dilemma comes after the Lincolnshire Coastal BID board decided to no longer offer the service and returned the costumes to the council offices - posing a problem for councillors who have not made provision for operating Jolly in the budget and have little storage space for the costumes in their new building in Tower Gardens.

The Jolly Fisherman - created in 1908 from a poster by artist John Hassall, which was commissioned by the Great Northern Railways (GNR) - is regarded as one of the most famous holiday advertisements of all time and is believed to have influenced the success of Skegness.

Last year, the loveable costume character attended numerous events in the town, welcoming thousands of visitors to the resort.

There are fears the Jolly Fisherman may not be seen at future events after the costumes were returned to Skegness Town Council.

However, concerns have been expressed that Skegness Town Council could decide it's time for Jolly to hang up his boots when they debate the contents of a report on the agenda of Wednesday's full council meeting.

The report warns: "All those organisations operating Jolly since ELDC used employed theatre staff to run it, have found difficulties operating with volunteers, and it has not sustained.

"In 2012 STC considered operating Jolly when ELDC elected to stop the service but decided against this based on the cost. The resource and cost of operating Jolly (if done properly) is more than many will imagine.

"The costumes have been well worn, are very dirty and will need specialist cleaning before they can be worn again.

"At the present time there is no plan of who, if anyone, might take on Jolly going forward.

" An immediate decision is required on whether the council wish to store the costumes and if so to identify a suitable space.

"A longer-term decision is needed regarding the future of the Jolly Fisherman Costume Character, that takes account of the risks, likely operating resources and financial implications."

Some residents have already taken to social media, calling for supporters to attend the council meeting.

Former councillor and local artist John Byford posted: "Jolly is not just our town mascot, he’s a crowd puller.

"He’s our A-list celeb, and does so much more for Skegness, promoting the resort far far better than all the town councillors put together.

"He may be 112, but he’s certainly not ready to hang his boots up yet!!

"So let’s save him!!! Have your say at the next council meeting:"

Skegness Mayor Coun Mark Dannatt was the first to comment. He said: "Jolly is the face of skegness this shouldn’t even be being discussed and I will fight to save him.

"I only have 10 weeks left in my position but will continue to fight to keep him."

*Skegness Town Council meets at the Town Hall on North Parade on tonight (Wednesday, March 4), with the public meeting starting at 7pm.